PHOTOGRAPHY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 35041

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/16/89 EEO CODE: C

This is the first class in the Photography Laboratory series. This class focuses on the technical aspects of the photography profession rather than the actual picture taking. Positions in this class perform a combination of photographic assignments which include black and white and color film producing, print making, reproduction/retouching, enlarging/reducing, and slide mounting; such duties occupy more than 50 percent of the position's time. This class differs from the Photographer class by its emphasis on duties relative to technical elements rather than on photographic shooting. This class is distinguished from the Photographer Senior class by the latter's additional responsibilities of functioning as lead workers, assigning work requests, using quality control standards, providing immediate supervision, and being involved in more specialized aspects of development and other laboratory techniques.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE WORK

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty in the development of black and white and color photographs and prints for archival records, documentation, research, and educational/promotional usage through the application of chemicals, photographic printers and enlargers, engineering copiers, processors, and other photographic equipment. Mixes chemicals and determines development times to obtain clear authentic prints. Operates photographic equipment to reduce, enlarge, crop, mount, and process prints from floppy discs, negatives, paper, glass, diazo prints of construction plans, blueprints, mosaics, maps, art, agency activities, and other agency original photographs. Maintains darkroom inventory of supplies and equipment needs, orders supplies, and makes recommendations for equipment purchases for state-of-the-art processing. Performs routine preventive maintenance on equipment; and notifies supervisor of need for outside repair or replacement. Positions may be involved in photographic shooting of events, plans, maps, identification cards, patients, and other material.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor) however, positions may oversee the performance and training of work study or wage personnel.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from a Photographer Senior, Photographer: Supervisor, or other managerial position having authority over the photography/darkroom unit.

Scope: Employees in this classification are responsible for the clarity of the finished photographic product.

Impact of Actions: Clarity of end product is essential to maintain accuracy of agency photographic records. In reproduction/retouching,

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care must be applied to ensure integrity of original is maintained. Adverse agency impact could result in areas where finished product is utilized, such as agency/product promotion, educational, or medical.

Personal Contacts: Occasional contact with staff and faculty, and with organizations outside the agency in explaining technical aspects and providing general assistance.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of darkroom processing and techniques, chemicals, reproduction equipment, color theory, computer operation; of photography shooting and cameras; and of various types of printing.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of a variety of darkroom and printing equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of technical photography development procedures; to do routine preventative maintenance and make repairs and adjustments; to communicate effectively in writing and orally; and to work independently.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Course work in photography with emphasis on darkroom techniques methodology, and equipment. Additional education/training in a specialized field, such as medical or scientific, may be required for some positions in order to meet agency-specific needs.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in developing a variety of black and white and color photographic products using a wide range of printing materials and equipment. Some experience in the use of cameras and supplemental aids. Experience in developing photographs of a specialized field, such as medical or scientific may be required for some positions.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding know1edges and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in September 1988 as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program.